Las Vegas' Top Rooftop Bars

by Lianamar Dávila Sanabria

09.16.2009

Now that the summer has come to an end, there’s no better way to enjoy the cool night air than on top of the world. Well, at least on the top floor of a Vegas hotel. CP has put together a list of the best rooftop bars that offer breathtaking views of the Las Vegas Strip while boasting the best atmosphere to have a drink in.

The ride up the 51 floors it takes to reach Voodoo Lounge will be one of the most memorable elevator rides of your life. Enjoying breathtaking views of the Strip from inside the glass elevator as the streets and cars get smaller. If the “voodoo-French-Quarter-esque” theme is a little much for you, check out their rooftop patio and admire the city’s bright lights. The outside 40-ton staircase connecting to the VooDoo Steak restaurant downstairs features an American flag flying high that is worthy of anyone’s MySpace or Facebook default picture. Take my word for it and make sure you snap a picture while you’re there.

On the 55th floor of the Palms Hotel and Casino resides one of Vegas’ top must-visit hotspots. The loungy, intimate setting at ghostbar lends itself to a low-key atmosphere with high energy potential. There’s plenty of seating and VIP areas, but your best bet to score a good table in this small venue is the bottle service. The futuristic décor keeps it interesting, but the wow-factor is the transparent section of the floor in the patio. It’s a great way to conquer your fear of heights as you look down onto the pool deck and ahead you overlook the glittering city.

Within the same walls at the Palms and once again making it to the top of our lists is Moon Nightclub. Their spectacular retractable roof is a sight to see for locals and tourists alike. Although its roof’s doors stay closed for a significant part of the night, once they open you’ll feel as if you could reach out and touch the stars (although you may not want to because I hear they’re quite hot). Between the high speed elevator ride up and the adjacent Playboy Club option, this venue has a lot to offer its guests. Then again, anything venue at the Palms seems like a guaranteed good time. ?

Topping our list as the highest rooftop bar is Mix sitting on 64th floor of the Mandalay Bay Hotel atop THEhotel. Have some dinner and watch the sunset prior to heading out for the night, or stay at Mix and save yourself the $20 cover charge. As a matter a fact, you should stay because a 298-capacity beats a mega-club with a 2 hour line any day. Although the outdoor patio is reserved only for patrons buying bottles, there’s still some standing room available to take in the views. And where else can you find bathrooms with floor-to-ceiling windows in each stall or a great view of the Luxor light?

The VIP area at the Pure is located on an outdoor patio overlooking the stunning views of the Strip. If you’re a VIP guest and are also acrophobic, there’s always the Pussycat Doll Lounge next door just waiting to entertain you all for the same price of admission (maybe you could even catch celebrity guest performer Audrina Partridge strutting her stuff). It’s all white décor is very reminiscent of Miami clubs, but is still very Vegas with distinct areas spinning different music in this mega-club. Here you can actually let loose since dancing on their furniture is highly encouraged.